Food Allergy Testing in Central Florida : Finding Food Answers and What Muscle Testing Can Do Better
Many of the women and families I work with come in feeling frustrated.
Their child has ongoing skin issues, or they feel bloated and reactive after meals, but standard food allergy panels don’t show anything “wrong.”
They’ve tried cutting out gluten and dairy. Sometimes it helps a little, sometimes not at all.
They’ve been told everything looks normal. But their body is still speaking up.
This is where muscle testing offers something different.
What Is Muscle Testing for Food Sensitivities?
Muscle testing, sometimes called applied kinesiology, is a non-invasive tool I use to observe how the body responds to different substances. It's not a diagnostic test. Instead, it provides real-time feedback from the nervous system to help us identify potential stressors.
In my practice, I use it to assess how the body reacts to individual foods, supplements, and environmental factors. It gives us a more nuanced look at how a particular food might be contributing to inflammation, digestive issues, or mood shifts.
Unlike blood or skin allergy tests that focus on immune markers like IgE or IgG, muscle testing can help identify patterns that are often missed on lab work. It’s especially helpful when someone is reacting to “healthy” foods, or when symptoms seem to shift without explanation.
Personalized Nutrition Support Based on Your Body’s Responses
Once we’ve identified which foods may be creating stress in the body, I create a custom plan that includes:
- A list of foods your body currently responds well to
- Supportive nutrition strategies to strengthen digestion and detox pathways
- Natural supplements that are tested for compatibility with your body
- Practical lifestyle shifts to reduce overall stress on the system
This kind of individualized approach allows us to support the body’s natural healing processes without guesswork.
Supporting Root Cause Wellness
In my work, I often see that food sensitivities are not the problem in and of themselves. They can be a sign that the body is overwhelmed or out of balance. Through muscle testing, I’m able to look deeper and explore potential contributors like:
- Mineral deficiencies or hydration issues
- Digestive imbalance
- Toxic or microbial load
- Emotional stressors
- Systemic overwhelm
None of this is diagnostic; instead it provides a roadmap for supporting the body more intentionally and thoroughly.
Serving Central Florida: DeBary, Sanford, and Surrounding Areas
If you’re in the DeBary, Sanford, or greater Central Florida area and you’ve been looking for a more personalized way to approach food sensitivities, nutritional support, or whole-body wellness, I’d love to come alongside you.
Whether you’re navigating skin issues, digestive concerns, fatigue, or just want to understand what your body might be trying to tell you, I offer a safe space and a gentle process to help you move forward.
📍Living Well Holistics | DeBary, FL | Central Florida
🌿 Gentle Muscle Testing | Custom Nutrition Support | Root Cause Natural Wellness
🌿 Gentle Muscle Testing | Custom Nutrition Support | Root Cause Natural Wellness
This past month was one of the busiest seasons so far this year.
And people in our house require clean socks and three meals a day, every day! The audacity.
I would bet your life feels much the same. Each in our ways, in different seasons, we are all faced with pressing times.
But here’s what I need you to hear: I wasn’t drained.
I didn’t feel like I was crawling to the finish line.
I was full, showing up to each moment with joy, clarity, and fresh strength.
And no, it’s not because I mastered time-blocking (I haven’t) or finally figured out how to get up before the kids (although that does help, especially when I get to do a devotional and pray while sipping my organic coffee in the dark of the morning).
It’s because I’ve stopped living like my job is to pour myself out, get empty, and hustle to fill up again.
That’s not how Heaven works.
You’ve heard the phrase: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Recently, I said that to someone casually. "You have to fill up your Mama cup!" or something like that.
When I walked away, The Lord nudged me.
I knew the words I said were wrong.
So I went looking for that truth in Scripture..... and it’s just not there.
What I did find?
The Fountain.
Jeremiah 17:13 calls God “the fountain of living waters.”
John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in Me, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
That’s not a cycle of fill, pour, be empty, run back depleted, fill, pour, be empty, run back depleted…..its a continual flow.
When we live connected to Him, truly and intentionally engaged in our hearts—we don’t run dry.
We don’t white-knuckle our way to fullness.
Rather, we stay under the fountain.
It’s not just about listening to worship music while folding laundry or squeezing in a quick devo while the coffee brews (though I absolutely do those things!).
It’s about the heart posture inside those moments.
They mean nothing without the positioning of the heart (our cup, so to speak).
Ask yourself: Am I truly engaging with Him right now?
Am I letting this moment shift me under the fountain of His presence?
That’s the difference.
These practices of worship, prayer, stillness are not just spiritual “to-dos.”
They are invitations into alignment underneath The Fountain.
They change what the rest of the day feels like because they change where we’re positioned.
And when I feel that shift during times when distraction or pressure starts to pull me away, I ask Holy Spirit to help me come back.
Because that’s what He does!
Jesus said: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26).
He literally reminds us and helps us stay near.
And in Romans 8:26 says, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.” Even when we don’t have the words or strength, He meets us there.
The world teaches us to grind to be good.
But the Kingdom way is different: John 4:13-14“…Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Do you feel the difference?
One life leaves you constantly running on fumes, and makes emptiness a normal part of the cadence of life.
The other leaves you full, nourished, ready because you’re not the source. You’re simply positioned under the flow.
While I try to avoid too many disclaimers as they can get a little out of hand, I'm going to add this one: this isn't a substitute for, or excuse not to, rest. This is a lifestyle of living in fullness, of which physical and mental rest is a part. That's for another day's discussion.
Psalm 23:5 says "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
So if you’ve been chasing fullness by effort, working hard to empty and refill again and again, I want to gently invite you back to The Fountain, where you can rest and overflow, remaining full all the time.
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Be filled, and be blessed, friend!
What Happens When You Actually Lower Inflammation
(Hint: You feel like yourself again.)
Have you ever had that moment when you finally feel good again—and suddenly realize just how bad you'd been feeling?
That was me, during my fifth pregnancy.
It was the first one after our mold detox journey, and for the first time in years, I felt like my body was working with me—not against me.
The puffiness was gone.
My energy held steady throughout the day.
My sleep felt restorative.
My brain was clear.
I could move, eat, rest, and think without dragging. And I don’t say that lightly. As a holistic practitioner, I knew inflammation was a root cause of so many issues—but living on the other side of it?
That changed everything.
Keep reading for a free grocery store cheat sheet and an invitation!
How Inflammation Silently Sabotages Your Life
We tend to associate inflammation with something obvious, like swelling or an injury. But chronic, low-grade inflammation shows up more subtly:
- You're tired even after a full night's sleep
- You crave sugar or caffeine constantly
- Your joints feel stiff, even if you're "young"
- You gain weight around your middle
- You feel puffy, bloated, irritable, or foggy
- Your hormones feel off but bloodwork is “normal”
And it doesn’t stop there. Inflammation contributes to everything from autoimmune flare-ups and digestive issues to mood swings and hormone imbalance.
What It Feels Like When Inflammation Comes Down
Now this is the part I want you to really hear:
When your body isn’t fighting fires all day, it finally has space to heal. To restore. To exhale.
And that shows up in the most beautiful ways:
- You wake up with a clear mind—and a face that looks like you’ve been on vacation
- You eat without bloating or regret
- You move through the day with sustained energy (no 2 p.m. crash)
- Your clothes fit better without obsessing over them
- You feel steady. Capable. Present.
This is what happens when we nourish our body and remove the things that keep it inflamed.
What Helps Lower Inflammation?
You don’t need perfection to see a difference. You need support—layered in with grace and consistency. Here are a few simple places to start.
1. Hydrate Like You Mean It
One of the fastest ways to support your lymphatic system and flush out inflammatory waste? Drink more water.
Aim for 1/2 of your body weight in ounces per day, and consider adding:
Aim for 1/2 of your body weight in ounces per day, and consider adding:
- A pinch of unrefined mineral salt
- A squeeze of lemon or orange
- A splash of NingXia Red, which not only hydrates but delivers powerful antioxidants, minerals, and essential oils (like lemon and yuzu!) that support healthy inflammation levels
2. Prioritize Clean Proteins + Colorful Antioxidants
Your body needs protein to repair, balance blood sugar, and stabilize hormones—all of which impact inflammation. Try adding:
- Pastured eggs
- Wild-caught salmon or sardines
- Organic chicken
- Lentils or quinoa paired with leafy greens
- A daily serving of wolfberries (also found in NingXia Red!), which are one of the highest antioxidant foods on the planet
And don’t forget easy anti-inflammatory add-ins from the grocery store (and keep reading to download the printable!):
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Blueberries
- Cabbage
- Olive oil
3. Use Essential Oils That Support the System
Some of my favorite oils for calming inflammation naturally:
- Citrus oils like lemon, orange, and grapefruit: support lymph drainage, digestion, and uplift mood
- Frankincense: promotes healing, clarity, and reduces systemic inflammation
- Copaiba: amplifies other oils and supports pain and swelling
- Lavender: calms the nervous system, which helps dial down stress-related inflammation
Want a super simple way to get these oils in daily? NingXia Red includes citrus oils like orange, yuzu, lemon, and tangerine—plus the wolfberries, so you're covering multiple bases in one easy step.
4. Sleep + Rhythm = Healing
Inflammation stays high when the body doesn’t feel safe. And one of the best ways to restore safety is through daily rhythm and restorative sleep.
- Get sunlight first thing in the morning
- Go to bed at the same time each night
- Eat regular meals—especially breakfast
- Support the adrenals with minerals, hydration, and protein early in the day
This rhythm is one of the cornerstones of my 14 Day Reset, because it's not just what we eat—it’s how we live that affects inflammation. Ningxia Red is actually clinically proven to improve sleep.
Want Help Putting All This Into Practice?
If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds amazing… but I need someone to walk it out with me”—I have a solution for you.
The 14 Day Reset is a real-food, whole-body, simple support plan.
We focus on:
- Easy anti-inflammatory meals
- Getting enough protein and hydration
- Daily NingXia Red
- Small rhythms that add up to big change
And we do it together. 💛
Whether you're working through fatigue, stubborn weight, hormone issues, or just want to feel lighter and clearer in your own skin, this is a beautiful place to begin.
Or send me a message if you’re wondering if it’s a fit!
I'm here to serve you.
While you're learning about the reset, here's a gift for you: Inflammation Grocery Store Cheat Sheet.pdf
Don't let anything stop you from moving forward in your health today.
Pour yourself a glass of water and do what you can do, today.
Have you ever found yourself Googling things like “why am I always tired,” “chronic fatigue solutions,” or “natural hormone balance”? Maybe you’ve wondered about food sensitivities or searched for “gut health testing” or “adrenal fatigue help.” If that’s you — I see you. I’ve been there, and I help families walk through those same struggles every day in my practice.
Let’s talk about one of the most powerful tools I use to help get to the root cause of symptoms: in-person muscle testing.
Muscle testing is an assessment modality that uses your body’s natural responses to painless stimuli to reveal stressors and imbalances — without guesswork. It’s a non-invasive, gentle way of asking your body what it needs and where it’s struggling.
Through this method, I can uncover exactly what your individual body needs, whether that’s natural thyroid support, detox support, or finding the root cause of chronic bloating or inflammation.
I see this often: women come to me taking all the right supplements for hormone imbalance symptoms, natural anxiety remedies, or natural immune support. They’re doing everything Instagram says to do — yet still feel stuck.
Maybe they feel better for a little while, but then the symptoms return.
This is where muscle testing changes everything.
Your nervous system has to be in the right state to receive the support you're giving it.
When someone is taking multiple supplements but not feeling consistent improvement, nervous system dysregulation is often the missing piece. Through testing, I can identify if that’s the case, and support the body with simple adjustments like homeopathy, CFT (craniosacral fascial therapy), lymphatic drainage techniques, and specific nutritional or herbal protocols.
In-person muscle testing allows me to:
- Test for food sensitivities (not just guess)
- Pinpoint causes of low energy
- Identify the root cause of migraines
- Support natural sleep patterns
- Help clients with autoimmune issues uncover what’s triggering flares
- Create customized parasite cleanse protocols
- Support kids with natural health solutions, from immune support to behavior issues
- And so much more!
In a session, I am able to comprehensively check three key areas: nutritional, structural, and energetic health.
Nutritional needs might include personalized nutrition testing for minerals, vitamins, or herbal support. Structural support could include chiropractic recommendations, lymphatic drainage, or CFT. Energetic support includes things like essential oils, homeopathy, relaxation practices, or even emotional release techniques.
There’s a reason people are searching “functional medicine near me,” “holistic health practitioner near me,” and “muscle testing practitioner.”
We’re all tired of throwing spaghetti at the wall.
We want answers that are specific, actionable, and right for our bodies.
If you've made this far, hear me: You are not crazy, and your body isn’t broken. It’s asking for help — you just need to know how to listen.
One of the most precious parts of in-person muscle testing is the one-on-one, heart-centered connection it allows. There is something incredibly meaningful about sitting across from a person, looking them in the eyes, and truly hearing their heart.
In my practice, you are never just a list of symptoms or a cookie-cutter protocol to follow—you are a whole person, spirit, soul, and body. Your story matters, your struggles matter, and your healing journey is uniquely yours.
This is why in-person care is so powerful.
I’m not just testing your body’s responses; I’m listening,
I’m present, and I’m walking alongside you in a way that no online quiz or generic protocol ever could. Holistic health is personal, and I consider it an honor to provide individualized, loving care that sees and supports the whole you.
If you’ve been Googling any of these phrases lately:
- Root cause of symptoms
- Low energy solutions
- What causes bloating
- Natural weight loss support
- Autoimmune root cause
- Natural PMS relief
- Natural kids health solutions
…then muscle testing could be exactly the missing piece you’ve been searching for.
And the best part? It’s completely painless and so light-touch that even the most sensitive people (and kids!) do well with it.
If you’re ready to finally get answers and stop guessing, I’d love to see you for an in-person session.
You can book a custom muscle testing session with me, and together we’ll uncover exactly what your body needs to heal.
Your next step? Reach out and let’s talk.
Because you deserve to feel well.
Let’s create a plan tailored to YOU. Book your appointment in Debary, FL. today.
Have questions? Message me — I love helping you connect the dots!
Keep reading for a free quick-reference guide!
I grew up asthmatic as a child and had pneumonia at least ten times, bronchitis more times than I can count, and several respiratory illnesses. At one time, I was on three prescription asthma medications and over-the-counter allergy support just to survive. I was sick every winter and had to use a nebulizer with prescriptions daily.
When my own child was diagnosed with allergies as a toddler and prescribed daily medication, I knew I wanted to find a better way. Through natural care, we were able to completely reverse the symptoms.
As a holistic practitioner with five children, I’ve had plenty of practice dealing with respiratory illness in all ages, and through years of research and real-life experience, I’ve learned how to support lung health naturally—both for daily wellness and during times of illness.
Daily Lung Health Support
Lung health isn’t just about getting through sickness—it’s about building a strong foundation year-round. A well-nourished body has the resilience to fight off respiratory infections and maintain clear, healthy lungs.
Nutritional Support for Lung Health The foods we eat play a crucial role in lung function, reducing inflammation, and keeping airways clear. Here are key nutrients and foods that support optimal respiratory health:
- Animal Fats: Tallow, ghee, and fatty meats provide essential fatty acids that nourish cell membranes and reduce lung inflammation.
- Vitamin A: Found in beef liver, cod liver oil, and grass-fed meats, vitamin A is essential for mucosal health, helping to keep lung tissue strong and resilient.
- Probiotic Foods: Sauerkraut, kefir, and other fermented foods support gut health, which is closely linked to immune and respiratory function.
- Warm Cooked Foods: Bone broth, soups, and warm stews support digestion and provide easily absorbable minerals.
- Unrefined Mineral Salts: Celtic sea salt and other natural salts provide electrolytes needed for hydration and proper cellular function.
- Animal Proteins: High-quality protein is necessary for immune function, healing, and muscle strength—including the muscles involved in breathing.
What to Avoid Certain foods contribute to inflammation and mucus buildup, making respiratory conditions worse. These include:
- Grains (unless properly prepared using traditional Weston A. Price methods)
- Refined sugar
- Packaged and processed foods
When someone in our home comes down with an illness, I immediately set up a gate at the kitchen.
Treats, sweets and dairy go on the top shelf for “out of sight out of mind” and I immediately start bones on the stove for soup, if I don’t have any bone broth handy.
I’ll add vegetables my children like, such as carrots, celery and potatoes, and they will eat them soft-cooked with broth. No pasta unless it’s grain free, but honestly it’s easier to just skip it. The treats can come out again later, it’s not forever! But full-stop on all inflammatory items.
Detox and Lung Cleansing Support
Lungs naturally detoxify, but sometimes they need extra support.
- Castor Oil Packs: Applied to the chest, these help reduce inflammation and support lymphatic drainage. I’ll often add a small drop of Hyssop or Frankincense to it to increase the effects and comfort them.
- Detox Baths:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup food-grade hydrogen peroxide
- Soak for 20–30 minutes to help pull toxins out through the skin and support lymphatic flow.
- A single drop of Young Living Melrose usually goes into the water as well at our house.
- Lung-Supportive Herbs: Thyme, Eucalyptus and oregano support lung function and clear mucus. We use these most often in essential oil form.
- Vitamin Support: Vitamin D, C, A, and B-complex are all crucial for lung function and immune resilience.
Cod Liver Oil for Respiratory Health
Studies have shown that cod liver oil has powerful anti-inflammatory effects on the lungs. I personally recommend taking it daily and increasing the dosage during illness. One of my clients was able to take their child off daily asthma medication by supplementing with cod liver oil at three times the recommended daily dose! We take a lot of it when sick, it’s incredibly supportive.
Sick Day Lung Support
When illness hits, quick action makes a difference. Don’t wait for full-blown hacking to break out the supports – start at the soonest sniffle you notice.
Essential Oils for Lung Health:
- Young Living R.C.: Opens airways and supports respiratory function. It has three varieties of Eucalyptus, offering very comprehensive support. It’s a favorite of ours; I’m never ever without it.
- Frankincense: Reduces inflammation and supports immune function; supports cellular health and healing.
- Valor: Helps with deep breathing and relaxation; calms the body and mind, brings comfort to heads and supports the energetic flow through the spine.
Nebulizer Therapy Using a nebulizer with natural remedies can be a game-changer for respiratory illness. For details, check out my blog post on nebulizer use, which includes a free natural nebulizer guide.
Hydration at the Cellular Level Drinking water isn’t enough—you need to ensure that water actually gets into your cells. This requires trace minerals, which help transport water across cell membranes.
Certain Homeopathy reminds the body how to use minerals properly. You can think of it like this: Trace minerals are the Lego blocks, and homeopathy is the instruction manual for how to assemble them. I recommend Rehydrate by Energetix and/or Cell Salts along with your trace minerals and extra clean water to ensure full hydration at a cellular level.
In my practice, I often find a patient’s nervous system is regulated simply by adding one of the above items. A body that is deregulated cannot heal. It’s of upmost importance to hydrate well!
Natural Throat and Cough Remedies:
- Young Living Chest Rub: A natural and very effective alternative to conventional vapor rubs.
- Gaia Children’s Cough Syrup: A gentle but effective herbal remedy.
Back in the day, our parents had Vicks and Robitussin. They did their best! But now we know better. These two items are absolutely phenomenal and I’ve never “needed” anything over the counter when using them!
Vitamin C to Bowel Tolerance Vitamin C is a powerful immune booster, and during illness, the body’s need for it skyrockets. Take it to bowel tolerance—which means increasing the dose until stools become loose, then backing off slightly. We have discussed this at length in our community group!
Giving Remedies Consistently
One of the biggest mistakes people make with natural remedies is not using them often enough. A remedy should be given every hour to two hours minimum to keep the body continually supported. With the exception of classic homeopathic remedy dosing, which is for another post; if unsure, follow the instructions on the packaging.
This is the main place I see families "go wrong" when treating things naturally.
We are so used to the "24 hour strength" otc meds, that we don't realize this won't work for natural medicines. They're not the same.
The body works synergistically with natural medicines, utilizing them quickly! Giving the body something every 1-2 hours is the key to keeping it optimally supported.
Supporting lung health naturally takes a holistic approach—daily nutrition, detoxification, hydration, and proper use of remedies all play a role. By building a strong foundation and knowing how to respond quickly when illness strikes, you can help yourself and your family breathe easy year-round.
YOU can be your child's healer!
And to help you, I've condensed this post into a one-page printable for when sickness hits. It's free for you.
If you’d like in-the-moment community support, join our facebook chats where we talk about these things and help each other in the most stressful moments!
